Work Begins To Revitalise Part Of East Cowes Esplanade

Work to transform part of East Cowes Esplanade has begun today, with the Mayor of East Cowes Town Council, Councillor Tracy Reardon, officially putting the first spade in the ground.

The project focuses on Albany Green, where improvements will celebrate the area’s heritage while creating a more welcoming public space.

Plans include a heritage-style ironmongery arch, new seating, planting, soft landscaping, and a new ellipse seating area with views across the Solent towards Cowes.

A small temporary stage or raised platform may also be installed, allowing the space to host pop-up events throughout the year.

Seating across the new all-weather public space will also provide shaded areas for people working nearby to take breaks, while new shrubs and planting aim to boost biodiversity.

Traditional iron fencing will frame a new heritage-inspired landscaped garden, helping regenerate an area of the esplanade that is currently rarely used by residents or visitors.

The project is being funded by the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Work is expected to take around 12 weeks and is being carried out by Island firm Crown Park.

Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, chair of the council’s economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee, said the wider scheme has been delivering change since the Levelling Up funding was secured in 2021.

She said the public space improvements will likely be the most noticeable element, transforming the area and helping connect people with East Cowes’ history.

The Mayor of East Cowes, Councillor Tracy Reardon, said she was delighted to see the partnership between East Cowes Town Council and the Isle of Wight Council bring the project to life.

She said Albany Green would become a vibrant community hub, providing a welcoming place for people to meet and enjoy events throughout the year, while also enhancing the town’s appearance and community spirit.

Councillor Karl Love, who represents East Cowes, said the project has been six years in the making and will transform Albany Green into a new space for the community to enjoy.

He added that the improvements would help create new events and facilities for local residents and visitors across the Island.